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Mar 26, 2020

Pecan Pralines

These pecan pralines are so decadent, sweet, and loaded with toasted pecans.

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #SpringSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to help in the creation of the #SpringSweetsWeek recipes.


Homemade Pecan Pralines





These classic Southern pecan pralines have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to describe. They are not exactly soft or sticky, but they are easy to bite into, and they are not super chewy, even though they have a caramel-ish flavor.

Evidently, pecan pralines started as a French candied almond recipe, which, when introduced to New Orleans in the 18th century, evolved into this traditional Creole candy.


pecan pralines





For the pecans, I used pecan pieces from Millican Pecan, one of our Spring Sweets Week sponsors. They are pretty much the best and freshest pecans ever. I always have a bag (or three) in the refrigerator and more in the freezer.

I've used their pecans in these caramel pecan tassies, these chocolate pecan butter cups, these pecan shortbread cookies, and this pecan brittle. I've also tossed them in a salad and baked them into chocolate caramel pecan tarts.




Homemade Pecan Pralines with brown sugar





How to make pecan pralines.


First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for cooling the praline candies. You want to do this ahead of time because you will have to work very quickly once the mixture reaches the right thickness. 

Next, bring the sugars, molasses, and cream to a boil in a heavy saucepan and cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F. You really need to use a candy thermometer.

Once the mixture has reached 240 degrees, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, pecans, salt, and vanilla and stir the mixture constantly until it thickens. Once it's the right thickness, quickly scoop the mixture by tablespoon onto the baking sheet. Let them cool completely.

P.S. If for some reason your pralines don't work out on the first try, just chop them up and make pralines and cream ice cream!


Homemade Pecan Pralines on a sheet pan





What you need to make pecan pralines.


Ingredients include:

  • Light brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Molasses or dark corn syrup. I used molasses. 
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Pecans. I toasted mine before stirring them into the candy. 
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract


Recommended tools include:


Creole Pecan Pralines





Additional tips for making pecan pralines. 


I've been told that making these during humid weather is not a good idea. Fortunately, where I live never gets overly humid. 

Definitely watch the temperature as the mixture is boiling and work fast once it reaches 240 degrees F. You will also have to work fast when the mixture reaches the right thickness if you want shiny and pretty pralines.

To toast the pecans, spread them out over a half sheet pan and bake them in a single layer in a 350 degree oven for 7 to 10 minutes, until fragrant.


Southern Pecan Pralines




Welcome to #SpringSweetsWeek 2020 hosted by Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks!  What better way to celebrate the warmer weather and flowers blooming than with food and a fun giveaway? 27 bloggers from around the country have come together to share over 100 sweet recipes perfect for spring!  So stop thinking about cold and snow and get ready to enjoy the best spring sweets like cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, and even beverages!

Our #SpringSweetsWeek sponsors are Dixie CrystalsMillican Pecan, Door County CoffeeAnolonDeiss CookwareAdams Extract, and Fresh April Sprinkles for your generosity. 


Thursday #SpringSweetsWeek Recipes


Homemade Southern Pecan Pralines



Pecan Pralines

Print
Pecan Pralines
Yield: 24 pralines
Author: Karen Kerr
These pecan pralines are so decadent, sweet, and loaded with toasted pecans.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons regular butter
  • 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a heavy medium saucepan, add the sugars, molasses, and cream over medium heat until the sugars melt.
  3. With a candy thermometer attached to the side of the pan, bring the mixture to a boil until it reaches the soft ball stage, or 240 degrees F, This should take about 5 minutes.
  4. Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter, pecans, salt, and vanilla with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir constantly until the mixture thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Quickly scoop the mixture by tablespoon onto the parchment lined baking sheet.
  5. Let cool completely.
  6. Store in an airtight container between layers of wax paper.

Calories

213.31

Fat (grams)

12.04

Sat. Fat (grams)

4.06

Carbs (grams)

27.21

Fiber (grams)

0.87

Net carbs

26.34

Sugar (grams)

26.18

Protein (grams)

1.15

Sodium (milligrams)

27.70

Cholesterol (grams)

16.29
pralines, pecans
candy
Louisiana
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Created using The Recipes Generator



This recipe was adapted from Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking. It's an amazing book. I highly recommend it.

Would you like to comment?

  1. I have everything I need for these and I've been craving candy. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love pralines but have never made them myself. I've never been so happy to have so many pecans in my house so I can make these ASAP!

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  3. Pralines are one of my favorites! I actually made them as part of a recipe for this week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I put some in the freezer for ice cream later.

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  4. Ohhh boy! These sound soooo good! I love that you toasted the pecans!

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  5. I've never made these but I want to! I'll have to find the one or two days it's not humid here in GA to make them lol. I can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha! It's amazing that they come from an area that is so humid!

      Delete
  6. Such an iconic dessert! These were all over when we were in New Orleans (last November, luckily)

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  7. Oh my. These look addictive!! That caramel color looks perfectly rich and delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  8. My wife is from NOLA. I would to surprise her with a box of Pecan Candy. Are these available for purchase? If so, may I have the link.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I don't sell them, but you might want to try the recipe!

      Delete

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